I’m going to let you in on something that I did when I was very young, maybe six years of age. It’s not one of my proudest moments mind you, and honestly looking back on it I’m even quite ashamed of myself. Okay, here it comes. One afternoon, when I was out shopping with my parents in my hometown, I…ran away. I don’t even know what was going through my mind at that moment. I did something quite unique though. While some kids run away from home, I ran back to home! I knew exactly which bus to take in order to get back to my house and so my little six year old self went out into the world by himself. The joy was shortlived though as of course at that age I didn’t have a housekey yet, and so got stranded at the locked front door. My parents understandably were worried sick, and even the police went out looking for me. Eventually they found me back home, and I got an earful, and rightfully so. While I have luckily never had any feelings of wanting to run away from home, sadly yearly countless kids have other ideas. Abusive parents, drugs, or just a feeling of not belonging can all be the cause of this.

In the anime movie Weathering with you, the young highschooler Hodaka Morishima has also just run away from his rural hometown and his parents. Boarding a ferry that’s bound for Tokyo, he is determined to carve out a new life. During the trip, a severe rainstorm almost throws the young man overboard, but at the last second he is rescued by a man who introduces himself as Keisuke Suga. When the ferry at last reaches it’s destination, Suga gives the young man his business card and tells him to find him if he’s in need of a job. Hodaka however, stubbornly first sets out to forge his own path, but that’s easier said than done. The job hunting is fruitless, and soon his money runs dry. One night, sitting alone at a table at a mcdonalds, a kindhearted employee called Hina Amano takes pity on him, and offers him some free food. This fateful encounter will prove to be a turning point in his life. Hodaka eventually decides to go seek out Keisuke’s help after all. It turn out he runs an occult magazine, that is currently in the middle of investigating the unusual weather patterns. Day after day it keeps raining, with no end in sight. The only thing that might put a stop to it, is a legendary sunshine girl, who seemingly has the power to control the weather. Hodaka sets out to find this girl, who might be closer to him than he realises….

Weathering with you is yet another perfect example of why I love anime so very much. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, who was also responsible for the masterpiece Your Name, this film is a true work of art. From the very first opening seconds this movie is a feast for your eyes. The animation is absolutely breathtaking, and during several scenes I literally had goosebumps running all over me, because of the beauty that was shown in front of me. There are so many details in each frame that I think it will take several rewatches to catch them all, and even then that’s pretty doubtful. At times you simply forget that you are watching an animated film, and I can’t even imagine the amount of time and effort the creators have put into this movie to create such an amazing spectacle. But even if you have your animation side covered, you also need to deliver on the front of characters and storyline. Else this might be yet another case of the emperor’s new clothes so to speak. Luckily I can put any fears you might have had for that to rest as the movie succeeds on both counts. As with most of Makoto’s previous films, at the heart of this movie lies a romance story. And in order for such a thing to work, you have to have characters that you care about, and that have chemistry.

When we first get introduced to Hodaka, he seems to be the typical highschool kid, albeit one with a bit of a melancholy undertone. I liked his spirit, and determination to keep going, even if at one point he reaches rock bottom. Being an optimistic person myself, I definitely liked his attitude, and at the same time he’s also quite the hero if you ask me, a fact you will see for yourself when the movie progresses. As soon as Hina enters his life, and we as an audience lay eyes on her, you simply know that she is going to be important. Exactly how important I will leave for you to find out, but suffice it to say that she’s one heck of a trooper, and has a courage that most people can only dream of. Either way I loved the interaction between these two, as well as the fact that it never became this truly sappy or cringeworthy kind of romance that one sometimes sees. Both characters go and have gone through quite the hardships, and it’s once again proof of the fact that no matter what, one should always keep going. But let’s not forget Keisuke’s role in all this. He’s a bit on the shady side when we first meet him, and a bit hard to figure out what exactly makes him tick. Let’s just say there is more to him than you think, and he simply does have his heart in the right place.

This really is one of those character driven pieces, so this isn’t some kind of big action extravaganza. That doesn’t mean it’s boring though. In fact for it’s almost two hour runtime, I was totally immersed into the wonderful world this movie created. Sometimes you get films that really make you forget your surroundings, and those are the best kind. This movie certainly is one of those. While the weather in this movie is of course really unnatural, it also serves a bit as an eery parallel to what’s currently going on with our own climate. We can all act as if nothing is going on, but the fact of the matter is that we know better. In the end though this movie does a great job of creating a feel good atmosphere in the face of adversity. I really did like that message, as with the way things have gone during this year, I think we can all use that. Weathering with you is simply put an amazing animated feature, that shows how Japan is still on top when it comes to creating something truly extraordinary. It’s also one of those films that simply begs to be rewatched because of the truly spectacular animation style. The most important message though? Never lose hope, as there’s always someone out there who will have your back.
I give Weathering with you a 9 out of 10 score.
Knowing this was coming I went ahead and watched it, too. And I completely agree with your take. Everytime I see a new Makoto Shinkai movie coming out I get excited, I’ve never yet been disappointed. And this one was no different. The best way I’ve been able to describe them is magic, just pure animated magic. But as you said, there’s far more to it than just stellar animation. He creates such incredible young characters who, for me, make me feel young again. I feel those confusing moments of first love, I feel the pain of early losses, and the strength of friendship and discovering so many new things in life. And sometimes, I start believing in magic again. And I want to throw in another element that often works really well in his movies, this one included: the soundtrack. I loved the soundtrack, such great music and effects that fit the movie so well. I plan to rewatch this one, and hopefully some of his earlier works, as well. Fantastic review, Michel, spot on!
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You know what else is magic? This comment! Man, this was really amazing, and I actually reread it three times as to how much I loved this😊
Pretty much everything you wrote here captured the film so amazingly well, that I’m at a loss for words!😊
It really is a film that while making you feel melancholy for past days and times, also gives you this wonderful feeling of hope. The soundtrack truly was spot on as well, and accompanied the breathtaking animation. It’s a film that hasn’t left my mind yet, and I’m going to see it again this saturday with my mum who I know will love this movie as well 😀
Thanks for this amazing comment! 😊😊
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Thanks much, I’m glad you enjoyed it. The movie and your excellent review inspired me. 🙂 That is honestly another thing about Makoto’s work I enjoy. It almost always inspires me, even when tackling seemingly melancholic topics.
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I mostly enjoyed Weathering, but I ended up ranking 8/10… My “Trembling on the edge of greatness” tier. Why? Because the plot absolutely depended on selling the relationship between the MC’s, and for me it didn’t do so effectively. Still a damm fine movie, just not a great one.
Also, did you catch the cameo of Mitsuha (from Your Name)?
If I may make so bold – my own review and some links to reviews I found interesting:
https://apprenticemages.com/2020/01/21/weathering-with-you-a-worth-reading-special-edition/
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I will check out that post right after I answered this one! 😀
Well 8/10 is still a great number, and not as far off as my own grade for it😊
I understand what you mean, although well…for me it did work. I loved how both characters had their own problems, and a lot of baggage, but at the same time managed to keep their heads above water (pun intended I guess😂😂) and still stayed hopeful😀
No…I didn’t catch that cameo…but thanks for pointing it out! I will keep my eyes open for it now that I know it, and since I will rewatch it this saturday I now know what to look for, so thanks for that! 😊😊
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That sounds quite lovely, wish I could fetch up some rays of sunshine when I want to!
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I don’t think you have to do that Fraggle: because you are a ray of sunshine😊😊
This really is a very beautiful film, and even a perfect one to check out if you don’t normally watch anime: it’s absolutely breathtaking, and if you are looking for a ray of sushine: this is it😀
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Is it on prime or Netflix?
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I have bought this one on I-tunes myself, but alas at the moment it’s not yet on Prime or Netflix. Fingers crossed it will🤞😊
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You’d asked where to find it. I’m on the old school Netflix DVD plan. That’s where I found it. Not sure if that’ll help. 🙂
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Will have a look thanks!
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When I was growing up I ran away repeatedly because of my abusive mother. I always ran to my friend Aurora’s family who were boisterous Italian-Americans who always welcomed me with open arms. Unfortunately I was also easy to find after the first few times I did this.🤦🏻♀️ Any, I digress. I love your review of Weathering with you. The story sounds wonderful and you’re right about the beautiful animation. I hope I can find it here.
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Aww Kim, I’m so sorry to read that😢 That must have been so hard for you, and I don’t have any words to console you with except to say that you’ve grown up to be an amazing woman, so never forget that😊 And just so you know: I will keep reminding you of that 😊
This movie though, as I said to Fraggle just now, is a true ray of sunshine and gives you this warm feelgood feeling: something that we definitely need right now in this hellyear😢
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Thank you for those kind words my friend. I had my dad, and many kids grow up under far worse circumstances. Sadly, this isn’t streaming on U.S. Netflix or Prime, but I’ll keep my eye as open.
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Maybe so Kim, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. All I can say is: I’m glad and very proud to be able to call you my friend🤗I hope it will become available for you in some way, as I think you would truly love this one😊
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🤗🤗🤗🤗
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I’m always down for a new Shinki movie. He’s sold me on his skill with his previous works, way before Your Name ever hit the scene, so I’ll definitely give this one a go.
Obviously, with everything else going on in my life, I haven’t been able to keep up with the world of anime these days, so thanks for giving this a shout out. Much appreciated.
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Haha, you are very welcome! 😊
Honestly, I know a lot of people might even hate me for this, but I enjoyed this movie even more than Your Name. I don’t know, the theme of this film just resonated more with me I think. And if possible this film even has more beautiful animation than Your Name. But eh..that’s probably just me😀😀
Either way I hope you will enjoy it, and hey…maybe we could even do a Raist and Cain talk anime post at some point in the future nudge, nudge, wink, wink🤔🤔😉😉
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It’s not just you, I also liked this more than Your Name, though I still thoroughly enjoyed that one, as well. But like you, the theme in this one won me over, and I think he and his team keep progressing with the animation so each one gets better. The water and rain effects were fantastic.
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Yeah, even the first time I watched Your Name, I was at anime con, and I didn’t really like it that much to be hones. With a rewatch I changed my stance on it, but well…honestly I just enjoyed this one a lot more😊
So true, the animation effects in this one totally blew me away at times. One can only know what they will come up with next😊
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I’m more than happy to make our next outing animated, or even anime films. Lord knows, I’ve got a bevy of them I’d love to chat with you about.
Better than Your Name? Okay, definitely gonna try to watch it as soon as I can. I liked the emotional nature of Your Name a lot, so I’m sure to enjoy this one.
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Well…I don’t know, it’s just my take on it, but yeah I’m not ashamed to admit it: I like this better than Your Name😀
Knowing your taste in anime: you will love this, pretty much convinced of that 😊
Haha, as for the anime talk: deal: next up Anime films! Awesome 😊😊
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Well now, that as one hell of a movie. Not that I expected less from Shinkai, but still, very impressive. The panning shot of the fireworks was especially noteworthy. Incredible work that. Once again, Shinkai pushes anime forward in all the right, subtle and beautiful ways.
Two things. First, the cameos by Takia and Mitsuha was a very nice touch, creating a shared world of wonder between the two films. I’m curious if he’s done this more than I’ve noticed in the past. I’ll have to find time to rewatch some of his other movies to see if he’s snuck in those sorts of easter eggs elsewhere.
Second thing, as beautiful and emotionally well crafted as it was, I still like Your Name better. That’s a purely me thing, though, and is certainly no reflection on Shinkai’s work, or all the ways this movie is much better. What it comes down to is a more personal thing for me, Namely, that idea that you never really forget someone you loved.
Can’t imagine why that hits me harder.
Still, absolutely gorgeous movie. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Anime edition of Raist and Cain at the movies settled. Now, what we watching? Cause I got a couple ideas.
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Wow…you move fast my friend🤔😀😀
Haha, glad you enjoyed the film! Oh yeah, that scene was amazing: I was just looking at the screen during the fireworks and felt my jaw drap open more with every shot. How on Earth they did that?? I have no idea…but it’s amazing!
As for he cameo appearance…I totally missed that😢 So since I’m rewatching it this saturday with my mum, I will pay more attention and hopefully catch it this time around😊
It’s a good question though: I have no idea if he has ever done this in the past: this will take some research🤔🤔🤔
I can understand that completely why you liked Your Name better. As I said, most people like that one better, and I don’t know..I think for me this one resonates more with me. But eh…it was very close anyways…so it’s not that I like this one miles more than Your Name😊
Hmm…good question about the anime edition 🤔🤔 We’ll have to think about that I guess….I’m sure we will come up with something good😀
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I’m with you. I think the first of his I saw was Voices of a Distant Star back in the day. Completely fell in love with that one, it just felt perfect. Then with The Place Promised in Our Early Days I knew it wasn’t a fluke, I fell in love again. And 5 Centimeters Per Second, and Children Who Chase Lost Voices, I loved the titles back then. And The Garden of Words was so beautifully sad. And now we’re at modern times with Your Name and Weathering With You. All of them well worth watching.
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I haven’t seen all of his films yet, so both the Place Promised in Our Early Days, and the Garden of Words are on my list!😊😊
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Yup, same. I came into his career around 5 Centimetres, and backtracked, fascinated by his ability to tell a strong emotional story. Have loved everything he’s done, even that short film about the cat. I forget the title right now, cause my brain is being annoying, but I’m sure you know the one I mean.
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I went to a hassle and a half to see this one in theaters but it was worth it!
Great review for a great movie!
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I wish I had been so lucky to see this one in theatres. It would have been an amazing experience😀
Thanks as always for the kind words! I hope you are enjoying your week so far!😀
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I have read other great reviews of this film, and Mark Kermode on the BBC loved it! Add your excellent recommendation, and it sounds like a ‘must-watch’.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Unless I’m really mistaking I’m pretty much convinced that this is a movie that you would love Pete. The breathtaking animation is a big draw, but I also loved the story itself. This is truly an anime film that’s showcases how amazing Japanese anime can truly be. Hope you will get a chance to watch it! 😊😊
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This looks and sounds really fantastic 🌇☁️ How did you watch it? Which app? Also, That is a great story about running Back to home! 🏡 🏃🏻
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It really was an amazing experience, and one I will repeat on the upcoming saturday where I intend to watch it with my mum😊
I watched it on I-tunes, as far as I know it’s not on Amazon or Netflix, but then again I could be wrong as the content sometimes is completely different in regions😊
Haha, glad you enjoyed that story! In hindsight I laugh about it now, but at the same time am also slightly ashamed about it!😊
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Great review. As i previously stated, I enjoyed this movie. It can be a bit wonky in how it explains some of its fantasy-esque moments, which did leave my a little bit perplexed. Still, a great anime movie nonetheless.
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Thank you!😊Haha, well, that’s anime for you! 😊 That’s something that at times happens quite a lot with anime😊
That said, as you say it’s a really enjoyable movie, and the way it’s animation was done is absolutely amazing😊
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This is one of those times where I think the English title is so much better than the Japanese (literally “Child of Weather”). “Weathering With You” sounds both deep and mystical, perfect for the plot. Haven’t seen this one yet, but the novel was good! Not caring for the manga adaptation though — rather see these beautiful visuals instead!
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I didn’t know about the Japanese title, but yeah I definitely agree with you: the English title is much better😊
Some things work well as a manga and not as an anime (Alita for instance), but in this case I think you are right: this is better seen as an anime, than as a manga. It really is an amazing film, and I think one you will enjoy quite a lot😊
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I’ve been wanting to watch this anime ever since I watched the trailer, but haven’t got the time to watch it. Reading your review made me want to watch it even more. Thank you for sharing! Great post as always, Michel 😊
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I think you will love the movie very much! It’s utterly amazing both in terms of story as in terms of animation😊 I hope that you will able to watch it soon! Would love to hear your thoughts on it!😀
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Yay! Good work sir!
As I said before, this was a great film for me to break my anime in the cinema cherry! I think I may have enjoyed it more than “Your Name” which is considered blasphemy in some circles even with its niggling flaws like not knowing why Hodaka ran away from home or how Hina’s miraculous abilities didn’t make nationwide news.
But these were minor issues in what was another immersive classic from Shinkai. Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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Well..blasphemy or not, I agree with you. The first time I saw Your Name I honestly didn’t very much like it. The second time around I did change my mind on that stance, but for me this was the better film as well😊
I would have loved to have seen this film in a huge cinema but alas that was not to be.
That said it was still a great experience and on saturday I will be seeing it again with my mum who I know will also love this film quite a lot 😊😊
Thanks as always for visiting and the kind words!😊
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Great review – and yes! Another Keisuke fan 🙂
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Woohoo!! Thank you! When I saw your review I had honestly thought it would be a while before I would be able to see the film myself, so imagine my surprise when that time actually was far less than I expected it to be 😊😊😊
It was great, and yes big Keisuke fan haha!😂
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I’d watch a drama based on his life before and after events in ‘Weathering With You’ I reckon 😀
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Ahh I loved this revies of yours! You mentioned all the points that I liked about the movie as well. I got the chance to watch in theatre with my friends who are fans of anime. Admittedly, I’m not a huge fan but I do enjoy anime when I watch them. My favourite things about this movie was how atmospheric it was. The vibe was constant throughout the movie, with appropriate ups and downs. The animation, the voices, the music, and the flow of the story were all seamless when working together to create a specific viewing experience. Hats off to the entire team for making it so good.
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Thank you so much for the very kind words, and this great comment! I think part of the reason this movie works so well, is that it can even be enjoyed by people who aren’t huge fans of animation.s As you say, so many things work extremely well together in this film, and make it an incredible viewing experience. The atmosphere really is amazing, and it’s a film that I think can be rewatched many times😊 I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the film as well, and this comment definitely points out all the right reasons as to why that was! Thank you again!😊
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Great review of a lovely, gorgeous film. And my wife loves to remind me that when I ran away from home as a teenager, I had the forsight to rent a flat in advance, which she says really destroys the impact of that story…
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Thanks so much for the kind words! It really is an amazing film. From the moment the first scene begins I knew I would like it. You sometimes have that happen with a film, where you simply have this feeling that you know it’s going to be good, despite having only seen seconds of it😊
Haha😂😂 As usual, that last sentence really made me laugh! Your humor never fails, that’s for sure! 😂😂
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Great review! This sounds like a very interesting movie. Will be adding it to my list 🙂
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It’s an amazing film, and one that just hasn’t left my mind ever since I first saw it. Both the animation and the story are terrific and it’s definitely well worth watching. I hope you will enjoy it as well! 😊😊
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This looks good! Thanks for the review!
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Thank you! It really is good! It’ an amazing film, that deserves a watch, even for people that don’t normally watch anime I think there is something in there😊 Hope you will enjoy it if you get a chance to see it😀
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I need to watch more anime. I grew up watching Gatchaman and Mazinger Z. Love genre! 🙂
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I do too: for me it was Robotech, although technically that wasn’t anime, but it was my first introduction to the genre 😊
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👍
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Haha, thank you! 😊😊
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Fantastic review, Michel! I have been dying to check out this movie and everything by this director but still haven’t made time for it but judging from this review, I clearly have been missing out on a spectacular cinematic piece. I remember watching the trailer and sighing an impressive wow at what was going on. I look forward to diving into this beautiful character-driven tale for sure now! Thank you for sharing it with us. 😀
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Thanks so much for the kind words man!😀 Your description for the film is pretty much what it is: a spectacular cinematic piece!😊 It’s one of those real gems that you see every once in a while, and it’s definitely a movie that you are going to enjoy unless I’m really mistaking😊
Both art and story are breathtaking, and it’s been in my mind ever since I first saw it😀 Would love to hear your thoughts on it if you get a chance to see the film!😀
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You’ve GOT to watch this, Lashaan! This and all his other work. Makoto Shinkai is at the very top of my list of favorite animators, along with Hayao Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon. Most of his work is so emotionally driven, it’s tough to find words to describe how worthwhile it is. After watching this I’ve started a mad rewatch binge of all his stuff I have access to. It’s been a GREAT week! 😀
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Haha, I couldn’t have said in any better than todd, Lashaan! So yeah, no way to get out of this now! 😂😂😊😊
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Duly noted, my friend. I remember the hype you had for this movie before it released too. I wish we had made time to see it in theaters in all of its splendor but I’m sure I’ll be very content to see on it our 4K TV! I’m loving the love you both have for this movie and will make sure to see it sooner rather than later. 😀
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This definitely seems worth searching for. The stills look amazing so am eager to see this film in action!
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It’s an absolutely amazing movie. Both in terms of story as well as animation😊 Definitely has become a favorite anime movie for me. I’m hoping to see it again today with my mum who I think will love it quite a lot as well! 😀 Hope you enjoy it when you get a chance to see the film😊
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Nice review. I finally got a chance to see it the other day. Weathering With You is easily Shinkai’s best work from an animation standpoint even though he’s no slouch in that regard. However, I felt like he was rehashing different things from his older movies. I had some mixed thoughts about that movie.
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Thank you! 😊
I know I’m in the minority with liking this one over Your Name, but for me this one just resonated with me a lot. Can’t even explain it fully, but well I just loved the heck out of this film!😊
But fair enough some points to do seem to be a bit of a rehash of some of his earlier movies. Overall though for me it was a wonderful movie!😀 Thanks as always for visiting, and your comment!😊
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You’re welcome.
That’s good how the movie resonated with you. Have you seen Shinkai’s older catalogue?
No problem.
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Not all of his work, but definitely quite a few: Your Name of course, 5cm per second and Voices of A Distant Star. Definitely all of these were great 😊
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Gotcha. I was just curious.
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